As we thought leaders implement new tools into our school communities, it's critical that we not let the 'tail wag the dog'. We must not lose sight of our ultimate objectives: nurturing human connection, fostering a love for learning, and promoting a comprehensive understanding of content.
In the midst of this rapid digital evolution, a particular framework comes to mind that can guide us effectively in integrating technology into the education sector—Understanding by Design (UbD). I am admittedly a huge fan of this framework; it’s been my North Star since grad school and has guided my collaborative integration with a multitude of students and faculty members through three independent schools.
This simple yet robust pedagogical approach emphasizes beginning with the end in mind. Before we rush to adopt the latest gadget or gizmo, we must repeatedly ask ourselves: what are our learning objectives, and how can this technology help us achieve those objectives more effectively?
When we implement new technology, it should be with a clear understanding of how it will enhance our teaching, learning, and assessment processes. We must consistently ask ourselves, “to what end?”. What skills and knowledge are we aiming to develop in our students? How will this technology facilitate deeper understanding, foster critical thinking, and promote creativity? Colleagues of mine often hear the expression, “skill sets and mindsets”. In other words, the educational goals should always guide the the technology.
Recent and ongoing advances in technology have offered us powerful tools like AI, AR, and VR, all of which hold vast potential to revolutionize the educational landscape. However, the allure of these tools should not blind us to the core tenets of education and our role therein. Schools are more than knowledge-dispensing hubs; they are spaces where students learn to connect, communicate, collaborate, and empathize with others.
Emphasizing the importance of human connection in the digital age, ed tech should serve as an ally rather than a replacement for the human element in education. Digital tools should aid in the creation of an environment where students can both connect with the material and with one another. Collaborative projects and platforms that promote group work, foster interpersonal skills, and mutual understanding should, in my opinion, be prioritized for utilization.
Beyond selecting tools that promote cooperation, a key aspect of not letting the tail wag the dog lies in fostering a collaborative approach to the integration, itself. Teachers, administrators, IT professionals, industry experts, parents, and students must work together, creating a feedback-rich environment to ensure that technology is implemented in a manner that best serves the educational goals and meets the needs of the specific community of learners. At my current school, we have a Research Advisory Board as well as a Technology and Innovation Council. Having a sounding board and a safe space to share ideas and gain insights has been invaluable as I consider how best to utilize technology at my given school.
In order to effectively adopt ed tech, schools must provide adequate professional development for teachers, cultivating a sense of competence and confidence in using these tools. Beyond this, school leaders must allow faculty and students the opportunity to fail safely forward. Lessons and projects will inevitably fall flat; units carefully crafted do not always achieve the end results. It’s essential that rather than abandon ship and continue to travel on familiar, time-tested roads, we analyze and interpret early failure in hopes of informing successful, future opportunities.
As we embrace the immense possibilities that come with advanced technology, let us not forget that education at its core is about cultivating human potential and fostering deep, meaningful connections. By taking an understanding by design approach, we can ensure that our goals and objectives guide our technology integration efforts. As educators, our primary mission is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. Technology is a powerful tool in our arsenal, but should not dictate our approach. In essence, let's not let the tail wag the dog.